Image forming apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus comprises a sensor, a base, a clamping section and a limiting section. The sensor includes a hook having a claw section. The sensor is held on the base. The clamping section and the limiting section are arranged on the base. The claw section is clamped with the clamping section. The limiting section is elastically deformable when the sensor is mounted on the base. When the claw section is clamped with the clamping section, the limiting section faces the hook from the opposite side of the clamping section so as to limit the position of the hook.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate to an image forming apparatus.

BACKGROUND

An image forming apparatus equipped with a sensor is known. For example,the sensor includes a hook having a claw section. A clamping section forclamping the claw section is arranged in a frame. The sensor is fixed inthe frame through the clamping of the claw section of the hook with theclamping section.

Sometimes, the image forming apparatus is vibrated when being conveyed.The claw section of the hook may deviate from the clamping section whenthe vibration is violent. If the claw section of the hook deviates fromthe clamping section, then the internal sensor of the image formingapparatus may fall off.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram exemplifying the structure of an imageforming apparatus according to embodiment 1;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an oblique view of the sensor and the base shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an oblique view of the sensor and the base shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the sensor and the base shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the sensor and the base shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the sensor and the base shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is an oblique view of a sensor and a base according to embodiment2;

FIG. 9 is an oblique view exemplifying a variation of a base accordingto embodiment 2;

FIG. 10 is an oblique view illustrating a sensor and a base according toembodiment 3; and

FIG. 11 is an oblique view illustrating a sensor and a base according toembodiment 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises asensor, a base, a clamping section and a limiting section. The sensorincludes a hook having a claw section. The sensor is mounted on thebase. The clamping section and the limiting section are arranged on thebase. The claw section is clamped with the clamping section. Thelimiting section is elastically deformable when the sensor is mounted onthe base. When the claw section is clamped with the clamping section,the limiting section faces the hook from the opposite side of theclamping section, thereby limiting the position of the hook.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention is described belowwith reference to accompanying drawings. In the following description,structures having identical or similar function are denoted by the samereference signs. Moreover, description of such structures is omitted insome cases.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 exemplifies the structure of an image forming apparatus 1according to embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the image formingapparatus 1 is an electrophotographic type Multi-Function Peripheral(MFP).

First, the whole structure of the image forming apparatus 1 isdescribed.

The image forming apparatus 1 comprises a frame 2, a scanner unit 3, aprinter unit 4 and a control unit 5.

The frame (housing, casing) 2 constitutes the frame of the image formingapparatus 1. The frame 2 is formed into, for example, a box shape. Theframe 2 accommodates the scanner unit 3 and the printer unit 4.

The scanner unit 3 reads the image information of an original as digitaldata.

The printer unit 4 forms an image on a sheet according to image data.The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image with a recording agentwhich is, for example, toner.

The control unit 5 controls the whole image forming apparatus 1. Thatis, the control unit 5 controls the scanner unit 3 and the printer unit4.

Next, the printer unit 4 is described below in detail.

The printer unit 4 includes an intermediate transfer section 11, a paperfeeding section 12, a conveyance path 13, a resist section 14, asecondary transfer section 15, a fixing section 16 and a paperdischarging section 17.

The intermediate transfer section (primary transfer section) 11comprises an intermediate transfer belt 21, a plurality of rollers 22 a,22 b, 22 c and 22 d and a plurality of image forming portions 23Y, 23M,23C and 23K.

The intermediate transfer belt 21 is formed into a ring shape. Theplurality of rollers 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d support the intermediatetransfer belt 21 so that the intermediate transfer belt 21 can travelcircularly in the direction indicated by an arrow A shown in FIG. 1.

The plurality of image forming portions (processing units) 23Y, 23M, 23Cand 23K include a yellow image forming portion 23Y, a magenta imageforming portion 23M, a cyan image forming portion 23C and a black imageforming portion 23K. The image forming portions 23Y, 23M, 23C and 23Keach include a photoconductive drum 25, a charging portion 26, anexposure portion 27, a developing portion 28 and a transfer roller 29.The image forming portions 23Y, 23M, 23C and 23K are structurallyidentical except for the difference in the color of recording agent.

The charging portion (charger) 26 charges the surface of thephotoconductive drum 25.

The exposure portion (exposure scanning head) 27 exposes the surface ofthe photoconductive drum 25 to form an electrostatic latent image on thesurface of the photoconductive drum 25 based on image data.

The developing portion 28 capable of accommodating toners of differentcolors feeds recording agent to the surface of the photoconductive drum25 so that the latent image on the photoconductive drum 25 is affixedwith the recording agent.

The transfer roller 29 faces the intermediate transfer belt 21 from theside opposite of the photoconductive drum 25 to transfer (primarilytransfer) a recording agent from the surface of the photoconductive drum25 to the intermediate transfer belt 21.

Next, the paper feeding section 12, the conveyance path 13, the resistsection 14, the secondary transfer section 15, the fixing section 16 andthe paper discharging section 17 are described below.

The paper feeding section 12 comprises a paper cassette 12 a and apickup roller 12 b. The paper cassette 12 a arranged in the frame 2 canbe drawn out from the frame 2. The paper cassette 12 a is capable ofaccommodating a sheet P to be printed with an image. The pickup roller12 b is arranged in the paper cassette 12 a. The pickup roller 12 bconveys the sheet P accommodated in the paper cassette 12 a towards theconveyance path 13.

Starting with the paper feeding section 12, the conveyance path 13passes the resist section 14, the secondary transfer section 15 and thefixing section 16 and ends with the paper discharging section 17. Thepaper P is conveyed in the conveyance path 13.

In the embodiment, the conveyance path 13 includes a reverse conveyancepath 13 a which returns the paper P passing the fixing section 16 to theresist section 14. The two sides of the paper P are inverted when thepaper P passes the reverse conveyance path 13 a so as to form an imageon the back of the paper P.

The resist section (resist roller pair) 14 is positioned between thepaper feeding section 12 and the secondary transfer section 15. Theresist section 14 temporarily limits the paper P. Then, the paper P ispaused. The resist section 14 conveys the paper P towards the secondarytransfer section 15 matching in timing with the conveyance of therecording agent transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 21.

The secondary transfer section 15 comprises a transfer roller 15 a whichis connected with the outer side of the intermediate transfer belt 21.The belt roller 22 d supporting the intermediate transfer belt 21constitutes a structural element of the secondary transfer section 15.The belt roller 22 d is opposite to the transfer roller 15 a across theintermediate transfer belt 21. The paper P is clamped between thetransfer roller 15 a and the belt roller 22 d together with theintermediate transfer belt 21. In this way, the recording agent on theintermediate transfer belt 21 is transferred (secondarily transferred)onto the surface of the paper P. The paper P passing the secondarytransfer section 15 is sent to the fixing section 16.

The fixing section 16 comprises a heat roller 16 a and a press roller 16b. The temperature of the heat roller 16 a is controlled at a fixationtemperature (printing temperature) suitable for the fixation of therecording agent. The press roller 16 b faces the paper P from theopposite side of the heat roller 16 a. The paper P on which therecording agent is transferred is clamped by the heat roller 16 a andthe press roller 16 b so as to be heated and pressurized between theheat roller 16 a and the press roller 16 b. Then, the recording agenttransferred on the paper P is fixed on the paper P.

The paper discharging section 17 discharges the paper P passing thefixing section 16.

Next, a sensor unit 31 arranged in the image forming apparatus 1 isdescribed below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor unit 31 is arranged on the conveyancepath 13. For example, the sensor unit 31 is located between the resistsection 14 and the secondary transfer section 15. Further, the sensorunit 31 is not limited to be installed at a specific position. Forexample, the sensor unit 31 may also be arranged between the secondarytransfer section 15 and the fixing section 16 or between the fixingsection 16 and the paper discharging section 17. The sensor unit 31 mayalso be arranged on the reverse conveyance path 13 a.

The sensor unit 31 detects the position of the paper P in the conveyancepath 13. For example, the sensor unit 31 detects the entrance of thepaper P into a specific area. Further, the sensor unit 31 detects thedeparture of the paper P from the specific area.

FIG. 2 illustrates the sensor unit 31 specifically. As shown in FIG. 2,the sensor unit 31 comprises a sensor 41 and a working part 42.

The sensor 41 is described first.

FIG. 3 illustrates the sensor 41 and a base 43. For example, the sensor41 is an optical sensor. As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor 41 comprises alight emitting unit 51, a light receiving unit 52, a connector 53 and aretainer unit 54.

The light emitting unit 51 comprises a light emitting component 51 a.The light emitting unit 51 emits light towards the light receiving unit52.

The light receiving unit 52 comprises a light receiving component 52 a.The light receiving unit 52 receives the light emitted from the lightemitting unit 51.

The sensor 41 carries out a detection action when the light emitted fromthe light emitting unit 51 towards the light receiving unit 52 isshielded. The ‘detection action’, as mentioned herein, refers to theoutput of a specific signal to the outside. Further, the light emittingunit 51 and the light receiving unit 52 may be reverse to each other inposition.

The connector 53 is electrically connected with the control unit 5 ofthe image forming apparatus 1 via a cable. The connector 53 outputs thedetection result of the sensor 41 to the control unit 5.

The retainer unit 54 retains the light emitting unit 51, the lightreceiving unit 52 and the connector 53 as a whole. The retainer unit 54is made from a synthetic resin (e.g. plastic). The retainer unit 54 isdescribed in detail later.

Next, the working part (execution unit) 42 is described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the working part 42 includes a pivot 56, a firstpart 57 and a second part 58.

The pivot 56 located between the first. part 57 and the second part 58can be rotationally supported in the frame 2. The working part 42 can berotated in the range between a first gesture ((a) shown in FIG. 2) and asecond gesture ((b) shown in FIG. 2) by taking the pivot 56 as thecenter.

An elastic component 59 is propped against the working part 42. Forexample, the elastic component 59 is a spring. The working part 42applies a force towards the first gesture via the elastic component 59.

The first part 57 protrudes towards the conveyance path 13 in the firstgesture. The paper P moving in the conveyance path 13 is connected withthe first part 57. When the paper P is connected with the first part 57,the working part 42 rotates from the first gesture to the secondgesture.

The second part 58 is integrated with the first part 57. The second part58 departs from the space between the light emitting unit 51 and thelight receiving unit 52 of the sensor 41 in the first gesture. On theother hand, the second part 58 enters the space between the lightemitting unit 51 and the light receiving unit 52 of the sensor 41 in thesecond gesture so as to shield, in the second gesture, the light emittedfrom the light emitting unit 51 to the light receiving unit 52. Thesensor 41 shields the light by means of the second part 58, therebycarrying out a detection action. That is, the sensor 41 shields thelight emitted from the light emitting unit 51 towards the lightreceiving unit 52, thereby detecting the position of the paper P.

The sensor 41 outputs the detection result of the sensor 41 to thecontrol unit 5. The control unit 5 controls the paper feeding section12, the resist section 14, the secondary transfer section 15 and thefixing section 16 according to the detection result of the sensor 41.

Sequentially, the installation of the sensor 41 is described.

X direction, Y direction and Z direction are defined here. The Xdirection and the Y direction are directions along the holding side 70(refer to FIG. 4) of the under-mentioned base 43. The X direction is thelength direction of the sensor 41. For example, The X direction is thedirection in which the light emitting unit 51 and the light receivingunit 52 are arranged. The Y direction is a direction intersecting with(e.g. nearly orthogonal to) the X direction. For example, The Ydirection is the width direction of the sensor 41. The Z direction is adirection intersecting with (e.g. nearly orthogonal to) the X directionand the Y direction. The Z direction is the direction in which thesensor 41 is mounted on the base 43. The Z direction is the directionfrom which the first hook 65 of the sensor 41 is inserted.

FIG. 4 illustrates the sensor 41 and the base 43. As shown in FIG. 4,the retainer unit 54 of the sensor 41 includes a first end section 61, asecond end section 62, a first insertion section 63, a second insertionsection 64, a first hook 65, a second hook 66 and a third hook 67.

The first end section 61 and the second end section 62 are the two endsof the retainer unit 54 in the X direction. The second end section 62 islocated on the opposite side of the first end section 61 and connectedwith the connector 53.

The first insertion section 63 and the second insertion section 64 arearranged on the first end section 61 of the retainer unit 54. The firstinsertion section 63 and the second insertion section 64 are separatelylocated on the two ends of the retainer unit 54 in the Y direction. Thefirst insertion section 63 and the second insertion section 64 protrudetowards the Z direction. The first insertion section 63 and the secondinsertion section 64 function as guiders for guiding the installation ofthe sensor 41.

The first hook 65 is arranged on the first end section of the retainerunit 54, located between the first insertion section 63 and the secondinsertion section 64 and protruded towards the Z direction. The firsthook 65 is elastically deformable. For example, the first hook 65 iselastically deformable in the X direction and a direction opposite tothe X direction. The first hook 65 has a claw section 65 a which isprotruded from the first hook 65 towards the X direction.

The second hook 66 and the third hook 67 are arranged on the second endsection 62 of the retainer unit 54. The second hook 66 and the thirdhook 67 are separately located on the two ends of the retainer unit 54in the Y direction. The second hook 66 and the third hook 67 areprotruded towards the Z direction. The second hook 66 has a claw section66 a. The third hook 67 has a claw section 67 a. The claw section 66 aof the second hook 66 and the claw section 67 a of the third hook 67extend towards the outside of the retainer unit 54 along the Ydirection. That is, the claw section 66 a of the second hook 66 and theclaw section 67 a of the third hook 67 extend towards oppositedirections.

Sequentially, the base (sensor holder) 43 is described.

The base 43 is a part on which the sensor 41 is installed. The base 43is arranged inside the frame 2. For example, the base 43 is a part of asynthetic resin component (molded component) inside the frame 2. Forexample, the base 43 is a part of the components forming the conveyancepath 13. Further, the base 43 may be integrated with the frame 2.

As shown in FIG. 4, the base 43 has a holding side 70, a first openingsection 71, a first clamping section 72, a first limiting section 73, asecond and a third opening section 74 and 75, a second and a thirdclamping section 76 and 77 and a second and a third limiting section 78and 79.

The sensor 41 is held on the holding side 70 along the Z direction.Further, the ‘side’, as used herein, refers to ‘surface’. That is, theholding side 70 may be accidented, not limited to be a flat surface.

The first opening section 71 is opened on the holding side 70. The firstopening section 71 penetrates through the base 43 in the Z direction.The first insertion section 63, the second insertion section 64 and thefirst hook 65 of the sensor 41 are inserted into the first openingsection 71 along the Z direction. The inner surface of the first openingsection 71 faces the first insertion section 63 and the second insertionsection 64 of the sensor 41 so as to limit the position of the sensor 41in the Y direction.

The first clamping section 72 arranged on one end of the first openingsection 71 in the X direction is an example of a ‘clamping section’. Thefirst clamping section 72 extends from an inner surface of the firstopening section 71 towards the inside of the first opening section 71.For example, the first clamping section 72 is formed into a flat plate.

FIG. 5 shows the sections of the sensor 41 and the base 43. As shown inFIG. 5, the claw section 65 a of the first hook 65 is clamped with thefirst clamping section 72. For example, the claw section 65 a of thefirst hook 65 is mounted into the first clamping section 72 from theopposite side of the holding side 70. In this way, the first end section61 of the retainer unit 54 of the sensor 41 is fixed on the base 43.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first limiting section (support section) 73 isarranged on the end of the first opening section 71 in the directionopposite to the X direction. The first limiting section 73 is an exampleof a ‘limiting section’. As shown in FIG. 5, the first limiting section73 extends from an inner surface of the first opening section 71 towardsthe inside of the first opening section 71. The first limiting section73 extends in the X direction. For example, the first limiting section73 is formed into a plate linearly extending in the X direction. Thelength L1 (refer to FIG. 5) of the first limiting section 73 in the Xdirection is greater than the width W1 (refer to FIG. 4) of the firstlimiting section 73 in the Y direction. Thus, the first limiting section73 is greatly elastically deformable in the Z direction.

Described more specifically, the first limiting section 73 has an endpart 81 and an extending part 82.

The end part 81 is the end of the first limiting section 73 in the Xdirection. The end part 81 is referred to as a free end of a cantilever.

The extending part 82 extends from the end part 81 towards the directionopposite to the X direction. The extending part 82 extending linearlyfrom the end part 81 is connected with the base 43 so that the firstlimiting section 73 is supported on the base 43. That is, the firstlimiting section 73 is formed as a cantilever.

Sequentially, the relationship between the first hook 65 and the firstlimiting section 73 is described.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first limiting section 73 faces the first hook65 from the opposite side of the first clamping section 72 when the clawsection 65 a is clamped with the first clamping section 72.Specifically, the end part 81 of the first limiting section 73 faces thefirst hook 65 in the X direction so that the first limiting section 73limits the position of the first hook 65 in the X direction. The firstlimiting section 73 limits the movement of the first hook 65 away fromthe first clamping section 72. The first limiting section 73 limits thefirst hook 65 at the position where the claw section 65 a is clampedwith the first clamping section 72 (that is, the position where the clawsection 65 a is not separated from the first clamping section 72).

Sequentially, the size of each part of the sensor 41 and the base 43 isexemplified.

FIG. 6 shows the sections of the sensor 41 and the base 43. As shown inFIG. 6, the width A of the first hook 65 having the claw section 65 a inthe X direction is 2.1 mm-4.5 mm. On the other hand, the width E of thefirst hook 65 not having the claw section 65 a in the X direction is 0.6mm-3.0 mm. Further, the gap between the first clamping section 72 andthe first limiting section 73 in the X direction is set to be C. Here,as the first hook 65 is clamped with the first clamping section 72, thefollowing relational expression should be met: A>C>E. Thus, it is setthat the gap C between the first clamping section 72 and the firstlimiting section 73 in the X direction is 0.6 mm-4.5 mm.

Further, the thickness B of the claw section 65 a in the Z direction is1.8 mm-2.3 mm. The gap between the first clamping section 72 and thefirst limiting section 73 in the Z direction is set to be D. Here, asthe first hook 65 is clamped with the first clamping section 72, thefollowing relational expression should be met: B>D. Thus, it is set thatthe gap D between the first clamping section 72 and the first limitingsection 73 in the Z direction is below 2.3 mm.

Next, the second and the third opening section 74 and 75, the second andthe third clamping section 76 and 77 and the second and the thirdlimiting section 78 and 79 are described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second and the third opening section 74 and 75are openings on the holding side 70. The second and the third openingsection 74 and 75 penetrate through the base 43 in the Z direction. Thesecond hook 66 of the sensor 41 is inserted into the second openingsection 74 along the Z direction. The third hook 67 of the sensor 41 isinserted into the third opening section 75 along the Z direction.

The second clamping section 76 is arranged on the base 43. The clawsection 66 a of the second hook 66 is clamped with the second clampingsection 76. For example, the claw section 66 a of the second hook 66 ismounted into the second clamping section 76 from the opposite side ofthe holding side 70.

Similarly, the third clamping section 77 is arranged on the base 43. Theclaw section 67 a of the third hook 67 is clamped with the thirdclamping section 77. For example, the claw section 67 a of the thirdhook 67 is mounted into the third clamping section 77 from the oppositeside of the holding side 70. In this way, the second end section 62 ofthe retainer unit 54 of the sensor 41 is fixed on the base 43.

The second limiting section 78 faces the second hook 66 from theopposite side of the second clamping section 76 when the claw section 66a of the second hook 66 is clamped with the second clamping section 76.The second limiting section 78 limits the movement of the second hook 66away from the second clamping section 76.

The second limiting section 78 includes an inclined side 78 a which isinclined towards a direction departing from the second hook 66 as theinclined side 78 a advances in the X direction. Thus, the limitation ofthe second limiting section 78 to the second hook 66 is released whenthe second hook 66 is moved towards the X direction. In this way, theclaw section 66 a of the second hook 66 is deviated from the secondclamping section 76.

Similarly, the third limiting section 79 faces the third hook 67 fromthe opposite side of the third clamping section 77 when the claw section67 a of the third hook 67 is clamped with the third clamping section 77.The third limiting section 79 limits the movement of the third hook 67away from the third clamping section 77.

The third limiting section 79 includes an inclined side 79 a which isinclined towards a direction departing from the third hook 67 as theinclined side 79 a advances in the X direction. Thus, the limitation ofthe third limiting section 79 to the third hook 67 is released when thethird hook 67 is moved towards the X direction. In this way, the clawsection 67 a of the third hook 67 is deviated from the third clampingsection 77.

Sequentially, a method for mounting the sensor 41 on the base 43 isexemplified.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for mounting the sensor 41 on the base 43.As shown in FIG. 7, in the mounting of the sensor 41 on the base 43,first, the second hook 66 and the third hook 67 of the sensor 41 areinserted into the second opening section 74 and the third openingsection 75 of the base 43 so that the second hook 66 and the third hook67 are clamped with the second clamping section 76 and the thirdclamping section 77. Further, the positions of the second hook 66 andthe third hook 67 are limited by the second limiting section 78 and thethird limiting section 79.

Next, the first hook 65 of the sensor 41 is inserted into the firstopening section 71 of the base 43. Specifically, the first hook 65 isinserted between the first clamping section 72 and the first limitingsection 73. In this case, the first hook 65 is elastically deformed in adirection departing from the first clamping section 72 when the clawsection 65 a of the first hook 65 passes the first clamping section 72.At this time, as the claw section 65 a of the first hook 65 passes thefirst clamping section 72, the first limiting section 73 is elasticallydeformed in the direction from which the first hook 65 is inserted. As aconsequence, the claw section 65 a of the first hook 65 is clamped withthe first clamping section 72.

If the claw section 65 a of the first hook 65 is clamped with the firstclamping section 72, then the first hook 65 is recovered to a state inwhich the first hook 65 is not elastically deformed. Similarly, thefirst limiting section 73 is recovered to a state in which the firstlimiting section 73 is not elastically deformed. In this way, the firstlimiting section 73 faces the first hook 65 from the opposite side ofthe first clamping section 72 to limit the position of the first hook65.

With this structure, the sensor 41 in the image forming apparatus 1 isprevented from falling off.

For example, to prevent the internal sensor 41 from falling off, it isalso considered to mount another component to prevent the deviation ofthe sensor 41. In this case, the number of the parts of the imageforming apparatus 1 is increased, and the procedures of assembling theimage forming apparatus 1 are also increased.

Further, as another method, it is also considered to position a hook forpreventing the deviation of the sensor 41 on the base 43. Fox example,the hook is arranged at a position between the light emitting unit 51and the light receiving unit 52 of the sensor 41. In this case, the hookis partially located at a position between the light emitting unit 51and the light receiving unit 52. Thus, sometimes, the detectionallowance of the sensor 41 may be reduced.

On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 1 of the embodimentcomprises the sensor 41, the base 43, the first clamping section 72 andthe first limiting section 73. The sensor 41 includes the first hook 65having the claw section 65 a. The sensor 41 is mounted on the base 43.The first clamping section 72 and the first limiting section 73 arearranged on the base 43. The claw section 65 a of the first hook 65 isclamped with the first clamping section 72. The first limiting section73 is elastically deformable when the sensor 41 is mounted on the base43. When the claw section 65 a is clamped with the first clampingsection 72, the first limiting section 73 faces the first hook 65 fromthe opposite side of the first clamping section 72 to limit the positionof the first hook 65.

With this structure, the position of the first hook 65 is limited by thefirst limiting section 73. Then, even if the image forming apparatus 1is vibrated relatively violently, it is difficult for the claw section65 a of the first hook 65 to deviate from the first clamping section 72.Thus, the sensor 41 in the image forming apparatus 1 is prevented fromfalling off. Further, according to the structure of the embodiment, noother parts are needed. It is impossible that the detection allowance ofthe sensor 41 is reduced. Further, it is not needed to change the shapeof the sensor 41.

In the embodiment, when the first hook 65 is inserted between the firstlimiting section 73 and the first clamping section 72, the firstlimiting section 73 is elastically deformed in the direction from whichthe first hook 65 is inserted. With this structure, even in a structureequipped with the first limiting section 73, the claw section 65 a ofthe first hook 65 can be easily clamped with the first clamping section72. Thus, the assembly operation of the image forming apparatus 1 isfacilitated.

Further, if the first limiting section 73 is elastically deformable,then the first limiting section 73 can be protruded to be close to thefirst hook 65, thus reducing the possibility of the deviation of theclaw section 65 a of the first hook 65 from the first clamping section72.

In the embodiment, the first limiting section 73 extends linearly in thedirection opposite to the direction in which the first limiting section73 faces the first hook 65. In this structure, the first limitingsection 73 can be deformed elastically in the Z direction. Further, whenapplied with a force from the direction opposite to the X direction, thefirst limiting section 73 is extended. Thus, even if applied with arelatively large force, the first limiting section 73 bears the forcewithout being curved. Consequentially, the first limiting section 73 iscapable of firmly limiting the position of the first hook 65 in the Xdirection. That is, according to the foregoing structure, the assemblyof the image forming apparatus 1 is facilitated and the possibility thatthe sensor 41 falls off is reduced.

In the embodiment, a working part 42 is also configured. The workingpart 42 functions by approaching the paper P conveyed in the conveyancepath 13. The sensor 41 comprises the light emitting unit 51 and thelight receiving unit 52 for receiving the light from the light emittingunit 51. The sensor 41 carries out a detection action by causing a partof the working part 42 to enter the space between the light emittingunit 51 and the light receiving unit 52. According to this structure,the sensor 41 configured to detect the position of paper P can beprevented from falling off.

In the embodiment, the first limiting section 73 extends along thedirection in which the light emitting unit 51 and the light receivingunit 52 are arranged. The direction in which the light emitting unit 51and the light receiving unit 52 are arranged is likely to be the lengthof the sensor 41. That is, in the embodiment, the first limiting section73 is configured along the direction in which the light emitting unit 51and the light receiving unit 52 are arranged. Thus, the base 43 is notlarge even if the first limiting section 73 is long, which is beneficialto the miniaturization of the sensor unit 31.

Embodiment 2

Next, the image forming apparatus 1 of embodiment 2 is described below.

In embodiment 2, the first limiting section 73 is L-shaped, which isdifferent from that of embodiment 1. The other components of embodiment2 are structurally identical to those of embodiment 1. Thus, thecomponents of embodiment 2 identical to those of embodiment 1 are notdescribed here.

FIG. 8 shows the sensor 41 and the base 43 of embodiment 2. As shown inFIG. 8, the first limiting section 73 is an L-shaped. Described indetail, the first limiting section 73 has an end part 81, a first part82 and a second part 83.

The end part 81 faces the first hook 65 in the X direction.

The first part 82 extends linearly from the end part 81 in the directionopposite to the X direction. The first part 82 is equivalent to theextending part 82 of embodiment 1.

The second part 83 extends from the first part 82 in a directionintersecting with the first part 82. For example, the second part 83extends towards a direction substantially orthogonal to the first part82. The second part 83 extends linearly from the first part 82. Thesecond part 83 is connected with the base 43 so as to be supported onthe base 43. The second part 83 is elastically deformable in thedirection from which the first part 82 departs from the first hook 65.

Described in detail, the width W2 of the second part 83 in the Xdirection is smaller than the width W1 of the first part 82 in the Ydirection. Thus, the second part 83 is elastically deformable in thedirection from which the first part 82 departs from the first hook 65.

Further, the second part 83 has a thick wall portion 91 the thickness ofwhich in the Z direction is greater than that of the first part 82 inthe Z direction. The thick wall portion 91 is arranged on the end of thesecond part 83 connected with the base 43, thereby increasing therigidity of the connection part 92 of the second part 83 and the base43.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first opening section 71 is corresponding inshape to the first limiting section 73. The first limiting section 73 isaccommodated in the first opening section 71.

The second part 83 of the first limiting section 73 includes an exposedportion 93 which is not overlapped with the sensor 41 in the directionfrom which the sensor 41 is mounted on the base 43 (the Z direction). Aslit S into which the front end of a tool can be inserted is formedbetween the exposed portion 93 of the second part 83 and the internalsurfaces of the first opening section 71. For example, the tool is ascrew driver D1. The tool is not limited to be a screw driver D1.

Sequentially, a method for removing the sensor 41 is described.

In the embodiment, the front end of the screw driver D1 is inserted intothe slit S between the second part 83 of the first limiting section 73and the internal surface of the first opening section 71. Then, thescrew driver D1 is rotated. The second part 83 of the first limitingsection 73 is elastically deformed in a direction departing from thefirst clamping section 72 so that the first part 82 of the firstlimiting section 73 is moved in a direction departing from the firsthook 65. Consequentially, the first hook 65 is moved to a position wherethe claw section 65 a is deviated from the first clamping section 72. Inthis way, the first hook 65 is deviated from the first clamping section72.

After the first hook 65 is deviated from the first clamping section 72,the operator removes the first hook 65 from the first opening section71. Moreover, after the first hook 65 is removed from the first openingsection 71, the whole sensor 41 is moved towards the X direction. Then,the limitation of the second limiting section 78 and the third limitingsection 79 to the second hook 66 and the third hook 67 is released.Consequentially, the second hook 66 and the third hook 67 are deviatedfrom the second clamping section 76 and the third clamping section 77.Then, the sensor 41 is removed from the base 43.

With this structure, the removal of the sensor 41 is facilitated. Thatis, in the embodiment, the first limiting section 73 has a first part 82extending in the direction opposite to the direction in which the firstlimiting section 73 faces the first hook 65 and a second part 83extending in a direction intersecting with the first part 82. The secondpart 83 is elastically deformable in the direction the first part 82departs from the first hook 65. With this structure, the limitation ofthe first limiting section 73 to the first hook 65 is released throughthe elastic deformation of the second part 83 so that the claw section65 a of the first hook 65 is deviated from the first clamping section72. Then, the sensor 41 can be easily removed from the base 43. If thesensor 41 can be easily removed from the base 43, then the sensor 41 canbe maintained or replaced easily.

In the embodiment, the base 43 has a first opening section 71 foraccommodating the first limiting section 73. A slit S is formed betweenthe second part 83 of the first limiting section 73 and the internalsurface of the first opening section 71. According to this structure,the second part 83 can be elastically deformed easily by inserting atool into the slit S between the second part 83 of the first limitingsection 73 and the internal surface of the first opening section 71.Thus, the sensor 41 can be removed more easily.

FIG. 9 exemplifies a variation of the image forming apparatus 1according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the base 43 may furthercomprise guiders 95. The guiders 95 are arranged on two sides of theslit S. That is, the guiders 95 are arranged on the second part 83 ofthe first limiting section 73 and the holding side 70. The guider 95 iscapable of guiding a tool to the slit S between the second part 83 ofthe first limiting section 73 and the internal surface of the firstopening section 71. With this structure, a tool can be inserted into theslit S between the second part 83 of the first limiting section 73 andthe internal surface of the first opening section 71 more easily. Thus,the sensor 41 can be removed more easily.

Embodiment 3

Next, the image forming apparatus 1 of embodiment 3 is described below.

In embodiment 3, the second part 83 of the first limiting section 73 hasa groove, which is different from that of embodiment 2. The othercomponents of embodiment 3 are structurally identical to those ofembodiment 2. Thus, the components of embodiment 3 identical to those ofembodiment 1 and embodiment 2 are not described here.

FIG. 10 shows the sensor 41 and the base 43 of embodiment 3. As shown inFIG. 10, the first limiting section 73 has a first side 73 a and asecond side 73 b. The first side 73 a faces the sensor 41. The secondside 73 b is located at the opposite side of the first side 73 a.

In the embodiment, the first limiting section 73 has a groove 101. Forexample, the groove 101 is arranged on the first side 73 a of the firstlimiting section 73. For example, the groove 101 is arranged on theexposed portion 93 of the second part 83 of the first limiting section73. Thus, even if the sensor 41 is mounted on the base 43, the groove101 is exposed outside. The groove 101 may also be arranged on thesecond side 73 b of the first limiting section 73. For example, thegroove 101 is located nearby the connection part 92 of the second part83 and the base 43. For example, the groove 101 is closer to theconnection part 92 than the first part 82.

The front end of a tool can be inserted into the groove 101. Forexample, the groove 101 is cruciform. For example, the tool is a crossscrewdriver D2. For example, the tool is not limited to a crossscrewdriver D2. Moreover, the groove 101 is not limited to be cruciform.

Next, a method for removing the sensor 41 is described.

In the embodiment, first, the front end of the cross screwdriver D2 isinserted into the groove 101 on the second part 83 of the first limitingsection 73. Then, the cross screwdriver D2 is rotated so that the secondpart 83 of the first limiting section 73 is elastically deformed in adirection departing from the first clamping section 72. Thus, the firstpart 82 of the first limiting section 73 is moved in a directiondeparting from the first hook 65. Consequentially, the first hook 65 ismoved to a position where the claw section 65 a is deviated from thefirst clamping section 72 so that the first hook 65 is deviated from thefirst clamping section 72.

According to this structure, the removal of the sensor 41 isfacilitated, like in embodiment 2. Further, in the embodiment, thegroove 101 is arranged at a position where the groove 101 is notoverlapped with the sensor 41 in the direction from which the sensor 41is mounted on the base 43. With this structure, even if the sensor 41 ismounted on the base 43, the front end of a tool can be easily insertedinto the groove 101 of the first limiting section 73.

Embodiment 4

Next, the image forming apparatus 1 of embodiment 4 is described below.

In embodiment 4, the first limiting section 73 is different from that ofembodiment 3 in having a protruded point. The other components ofembodiment 4 are structurally identical to those of embodiment 3. Thus,the components of embodiment 4 identical to those of embodiment 1 toembodiment 3 are not described here.

FIG. 11 shows the sensor 41 and the base 43 of embodiment 4. As shown inFIG. 11, the first limiting section 73 has a protrusion 105. Forexample, the protrusion 105 is arranged on the second side 73 b of thefirst limiting section 73. For example, the protrusion 105 is arrangedat a position where the protrusion 105 is overlapped with the sensor 41in the direction from which the sensor 41 is mounted on the base 43 (theZ direction). For example, the protrusion 105 is arranged on theconnection part 106 of the first part 82 and the second part 83. If theprotrusion 105 is arranged at the position away from the connection part92 of the second part 83 and the base 43, then the second part 83 can beelastically deformed when applied with a relatively small force.

Alternatively, the protrusion 105 is arranged on the first side 73 a ofthe first limiting section 73. For example, the protrusion 105 isarranged on the exposed portion 93 of the second part 83 of the firstlimiting section 73.

Next, a method for removing the sensor 41 is described.

In the embodiment, the operator touches the protrusion 105 with fingersand presses the protrusion 105 towards a direction departing from thefirst clamping section 72. Then, the second part 83 of the firstlimiting section 73 is elastically deformed in the direction departingfrom the first clamping section 72. Thus, the first part 82 of the firstlimiting section 73 is moved away from the first hook 65.Consequentially, the first hook 65 is moved to a position where the clawsection 65 a is deviated from the first clamping section 72 so that thefirst hook 65 is deviated from the first clamping section 72.

According to this structure, the removal of the sensor 41 isfacilitated, like in embodiment 2. Further, in the embodiment, theprotrusion 105 is arranged on the second side 73 b of the first limitingsection 73. According to this structure, the sensor 41 can be easilyremoved even if the operator can only touch the back of the sensor 41.

In accordance with at least one of the foregoing embodiments, an imageforming apparatus comprises a sensor, a base, a clamping section and alimiting section. The sensor includes a hook having a claw section. Thesensor is held on the base. The clamping unit and the limiting unit arearranged on the base. The claw section is clamped with the clampingsection. The limiting section is elastically deformable when the sensoris mounted on the base. When the claw section is clamped with theclamping section, the limiting section faces the hook from the oppositeside of the clamping section, thereby limiting the position of the hook.Thus, the sensor 41 in the image forming apparatus 1 is prevented fromfalling off.

Here, the image forming apparatuses 1 of the foregoing embodiments 1-4have a decoloration function of decolorizing the color of the imageformed on paper P. Further, the ‘decoloration’ mentioned herein refersto decolorizing an image formed in a color different from the visiblefundamental color of paper (including achromatic colors such as whiteand black in addition to chromatic colors). For example, the imageforming apparatus 1 controls the temperature of the fixing section 16 ata decoloration temperature so as to decolorize the image on the paper Ppassing the fixing section 16. Thus, the image forming apparatus 1 is anexample of a ‘decolorization apparatus’. Further, the structures ofembodiments 1-4 (e.g. the structures of the sensor 41 and the base 43)are also applicable to a decolorization apparatus not having an imageforming function. Further, the ‘image forming apparatus’ and the‘decolorization apparatus’ are both herein referred to as ‘imageprocessing apparatus’.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the invention. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinvention. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended tocover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the invention.

1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a sensor including a hookhaving a claw section; a base configured to hold the sensor; a clampingsection configured on the base to clamp with the claw section; and alimiting section arranged on the base, wherein the limiting sectionwhich is elastically deformable when the sensor is mounted on the basefaces the hook from the opposite side of the clamping section when theclaw section is clamped with the clamping section so as to limit theposition of the hook, wherein the claw section is clamped with theclamping section by inserting the hook into the space between theclamping section and the limiting section; and the limiting section iselastically deformed in the direction from which the hook is insertedwhen the hook is inserted into the space between the clamping sectionand the limiting section.
 2. The image forming apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the limiting section limits the hook at a positionwhere the claw section is clamped with the clamping section. 3.(canceled)
 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe limiting section extends linearly in the direction opposite to thedirection in which the limiting section faces the hook.
 5. An imageforming apparatus, comprising: a sensor including a hook having a clawsection; a base configured to hold the sensor; a clamping sectionconfigured on the base to clamp with the claw section; a limitingsection arranged on the base, wherein the limiting section which iselastically deformable when the sensor is mounted on the base faces thehook from the opposite side of the clamping section when the clawsection is clamped with the clamping section so as to limit the positionof the hook; and a working part which functions by approaching the paperconveyed in a conveyance path, wherein the sensor is equipped with alight emitting unit and a light receiving unit for receiving the lightemitted from the light emitting unit, and the sensor carries out adetection action by causing a part of the working part to enter thespace between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. 6.The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the limitingsection extends along the direction in which the light emitting unit andthe light receiving unit are arranged.
 7. An image forming apparatus,comprising: a sensor including a hook having a claw section; a baseconfigured to hold the sensor; a clamping section configured on the baseto clamp with the claw section; and a limiting section arranged on thebase, wherein the limiting section which is elastically deformable whenthe sensor is mounted on the base faces the hook from the opposite sideof the clamping section when the claw section is clamped with theclamping section so as to limit the position of the hook, the limitingsection has a first part extending in the direction opposite to thedirection in which the limiting section faces the hook and a second partextending in a direction intersecting with the first part, and thesecond part is elastically deformable in the direction from which thefirst part departs from the hook.
 8. The image forming apparatusaccording to claim 7, wherein the base has an opening section foraccommodating the limiting section; and a slit is formed between thesecond part of the limiting section and the internal surface of thefirst opening section.
 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim7, wherein the second part of the limiting section has a groove which isarranged at a position where the groove is not overlapped with thesensor in the direction from which the sensor is mounted on the base.10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein thelimiting section has a first side facing the sensor and a second side onthe opposite side of the first side; and the second side of the limitingsection has a protrusion.